UPDATE: Kingston votes to close three elementary schools

KINGSTON — Three elementary schools will write their final chapters this year.

The Kingston school board voted unanimously Thursday to shut Anna Devine in Rifton, Sophie Finn in Kingston and Zena in Woodstock.

“In order to sustain the programs we want for students, we’re going to have to close schools,” said board member Maureen Bowers.

The loss of 1,300 students since 2004 and $8 million in state aid since 2009 prompted the closures, said district superintendent Paul Padalino.

The first-year leader initially broached the subject June 20. He expects the plan to save $4.7 million annually, $3 million of which will come from eliminating 30 teaching positions.

“The proposal I put forward creates efficiencies,” he said.

The K-4 students at Anna Devine will move as a group in September 2013 to Graves in Port Ewen. Sophie Finn students will go to Edson in Kingston, while Zena students will all attend Crosby in Lake Katrine.

The school board backed 9-0 moving fifth-grade students to Bailey Middle School in Kingston or Miller in Lake Katrine.

Even though three elementary schools could be shut without the grade shift, Padalino opted for it to provide fifth-graders with more electives and extracurriculars.

Public board support for Padalino’s plan made Thursday’s vote a foregone conclusion. Only three of 65 audience members Thursday spoke, two of whom backed the plan.

The lone fence-sitter, Robin Jacobowitz, ultimately supported the plan despite having four kids at Anna Devine. She said during an emotional speech that the closures will free up money for student programs.

“As difficult and as painful as it is, I see the value in consolidation” said Jacobowitz, stopping often to wipe back tears.

Trustees only tweak to Padalino’s plan was to send Anna Devine and Graves students to Bailey rather than Miller. Anna Devine students would have faced bus ride of up to 60 minutes had they attended Miller.

Thursday’s vote follows a March 2011 board decision to shut Meagher at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

Kingston will therefore go from having 11 elementary schools in June 2012 to just seven in September 2013.

“It’s not the building that makes education great,” said Assistant Superintendent Marystephanie Corsones, “It’s what happens within the walls of that building.”

mnovinson@th-record.com

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